Extending a work permit is a necessary step for foreign employees to continue working legally in Vietnam once their current permit is about to expire. Under Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP, the renewal procedure is now clearly regulated, transparent, and more convenient for both employers and employees.
Timeline for Submitting the Work Permit Extension Application
Employers must submit the extension application at least 10 days but no more than 45 days before the current work permit expires.
Applications may be submitted directly, via public postal service, through a service enterprise, or by authorization at the Local Public Administration Service Center where the foreign employee is working.
Required Documents for Work Permit Extension
According to Article 27 of Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP, the dossier for extension includes:
- A written request explaining the need to employ a foreign worker and to extend the work permit (Form No. 03 – Appendix attached to the Decree).
- A valid health certificate (issued by an authorized medical facility in Vietnam or recognized under an international treaty/agreement).
- Two (02) 4×6 cm color photos, white background, bareheaded, looking straight, without glasses.
- The original valid work permit.
- A valid passport.
- Documents proving the foreign worker’s form of employment, such as:
- Labor contract or service agreement between the Vietnamese and foreign partners.
- Written assignment of the foreign employee to work at a commercial presence in Vietnam.
- Other relevant documents as prescribed in Article 18 of Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP.
Application Process and Processing Time
Upon receipt, the Public Administration Service Center forwards the application to the competent authority for processing through the One-Stop Mechanism and the National Public Service Portal.
Within 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the competent authority will review, approve, and extend the work permit.
If the extension is not approved, the authority must issue a written notice stating the reasons.
After the extension is granted, both the employer and the foreign employee (under Clauses a and m, Article 2(1) of the Decree) must sign a written labor contract before resuming work. A copy of this contract must be submitted to the authority that issued the work permit.
Validity of the Extended Work Permit
According to Article 29 of Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP:
- The validity of the extended work permit shall not exceed the term of one of the bases specified in Article 21 of the Decree.
- A work permit may only be extended once, for a period not exceeding two (02) years.
Important Notes for Enterprises and Foreign Employees
- Enterprises should closely monitor the expiration date of the work permit to submit renewal applications in a timely manner.
- The dossier must be accurate, complete, and in the correct format to avoid delays due to requests for supplementation.
- Signing a labor contract after renewal is mandatory for certain cases.
- Foreign employees working without a valid work permit will be subject to administrative penalties and deportation under Vietnamese law.
Siglaw – A Trusted Partner for Work Permit Extension in Vietnam
With a team of experienced lawyers and consultants specializing in labor law and foreign investment, Siglaw Law Firm provides a comprehensive service package for work permit extension, including:
- Legal consultation on eligibility and required documents for each specific case.
- Preparation and completion of all application documents in compliance with current regulations.
- Representation in filing applications and working with competent authorities.
- Monitoring and obtaining results on behalf of clients, helping enterprises save time, cost, and legal risk.
Siglaw is committed to accompanying businesses throughout every stage of employing foreign workers in Vietnam – from initial work permit application, extension, modification to termination – ensuring full legal compliance and smooth business operations.
For detailed consultation, please contact Siglaw Firm for the fastest and most comprehensive support:
Head Office (Hanoi): No.44/A32 – NV13, Geleximco Area A, Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Mo Ward, Hanoi City.
Email: vphn@siglaw.com.vn
Southern Branch: No. 103–105, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Central Branch: No. 177, Trung Nu Vuong Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
Email: vphcm@siglaw.com.vn
Hotline: 0961 366 238
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangluatSiglaw
